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Field Scabious (Knautia arvensis (L.) Coult.)

Field Scabious is a perennial forb with blue to purple flowers. The flowers are on the end of long stalks. The stems are hairy and the leaves are basal. The leaves are feather-shaped on the stems and coarsely toothed at the plant base. It can grow up to 1.3 metres tall and reproduces by seed.

LRISS Category: PREVENT

Habitat & Ecology

It was originally introduced from Eurasia and prefers nutrient rich soils. It is found in most agriculture areas in BC. It flourishes along roadsides, ditches and pastures in mid elevations.

Impacts

Field Scabious can cause a decline in hay production and also has the capability to invade native plant communities.

Management

Small infestations can be pulled by hand. Control is best completed before seed is set. Field Scabious only reproduces by seed so it is possible to cut, mow or cultivate fields and be successful with control.

References

Province of British Columbia. 2002. A Guide to Weeds in British Columbia.